Live surgery events can be an enriching, exhilarating, and educational experience. In this article, I’ll share how I’ve made a success of live surgeries in the past—and the advice I give to any surgeons wanting to participate. Over the past 20 years, I’ve been lucky to attend and perform at many events abroad. They are... Read More
Category: News
Water Polo: A Fierce Game with a High Rate of Shoulder Injury
In a sport that requires the shoulder flexibility of a pro baseball pitcher combined with the shoulder strength of a NFL linebacker, it’s no surprise that shoulder injuries abound. Here’s how they happen—and what can be done about it. Water polo has the distinction of being one of the first Olympic team sports, debuting at... Read More
What You Need to Know About Weighted Baseballs
In recent years, weighted-baseball training programs have become increasingly popular as young pitchers try to increase their throwing velocity. While a standard baseball weighs 5 oz, weighted baseballs are often 20% heavier at 6 oz. Some weigh even more—up to a whopping 15 oz! Unfortunately, these baseballs have been associated with an increase in injury... Read More
An Award-Winning Conductor Gets Back to the Music: Jerry Blackstone
Patient: Jerry Blackstone Occupation: Choral conductor & university professor Age at Surgery: 68 Procedure: Total shoulder arthroplasty of left shoulder Thinking about my grandfather’s experience with arthritis, I’m very grateful for my surgery—what a gift! As a Grammy-award-winning choral conductor, Jerry Blackstone was resigned to the fact that his shoulder hurt —it felt like a... Read More
A Yogi Gets Back to Handstands: Donna Thomas
Patient: Donna ThomasOccupation: Yoga and spin instructorAge at Surgery: 55 and 59Procedures: Right total shoulder replacement in 2014; Left total shoulder replacement in 2021 Within four or five months of surgery, I was back to handstanding. It wasn’t just about being free from pain for me—I wanted performance. Donna Thomas spends her life in motion.... Read More
A Muralist Reclaims His Artistic Career: Timm Etters
Patient: Timm EttersOccupation: MuralistAge at Surgery: 45Procedure: Debridement & repair of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon in right arm “After all the fear and worry about my elbow, after all the opinions and different doctors—my elbow is now the least of my concerns. And I thank Dr. Romeo for that.” Timm Etters stood high... Read More
College Quarterback & Comeback Kid: Daniel Santacaterina
Patient: Daniel SantacaterinaOccupation: Star quarterbackAge at Surgery: 18 and 21 Procedure: Repair of the flexor-pronator tendon of the right elbow in 2015; Repair of the infraspinatus tendon of the right shoulder in 2017 “I had a really good season after all that adversity. If Dr. Romeo hadn’t done such a good job I wouldn’t have... Read More
Is Latarjet Surgery The Right Choice For You?
In 1954, French surgeon Dr. Michel Latarjet published an exciting new surgical technique to treat unstable shoulders. Although it took a while for American surgeons to embrace this technique, it is widely accepted around the world as the most effective technique for treating anterior (front) instability of the shoulder with loss of some of the... Read More
How to Prevent Surgical Site Infections
After any surgery, there is a small chance of getting a surgical site infection (SSI). According to Infectious Disease Advisor, approximately 27 million surgical procedures are performed in the United States each year, with up to 5% resulting in SSI. This is because your skin is a natural barrier against external factors that can cause... Read More
Orthopaedic Surgery as a Senior: What to Know, and How to Prepare
One of the most common myths I encounter as an elbow and shoulder surgeon is that orthopaedic surgery is too risky for seniors, either due to their age, other medical problems, or a combination. Each week, I meet older patients in my office who have been told that they should not have their torn rotator... Read More
